After a summer of relaxation, the first day of university is bound to feel a little overwhelming whether you are in your first or last year. This blog aims to give you some strategies to help mentally prepare yourself for a year of hard work.
1. Make a to-do-list
Lists can be a student’s best friend and ticking things off can feeling like dropping weights off your shoulder. I like to make a list of my daily tasks to ensure that I stay on top of my chores and responsibilities.
2. Get on top of your finances
Money worries can cloud your excitement for starting university and so planning your budget early will give you peace of mind before you arrive.
It is also important to ensure that your student bank account and financial documents are in order before you arrive on campus. Having everything in place will help you feel on top of everything and eliminate any financial worries.
3. Learn to cook, if you can’t already
Cooking is a great stress reliever, and if you’re leaving home for the first time it’s a fantastic time to learn.
Knowing that you can cook yourself something delicious will give you peace of mind, not to mention that good nutrition will work wonders for your mental and physical health.
4. Take some time to reflect on how far you’ve come
Before embarking on a new year at university, take some time to reflect on your journey. You may want to take stock of your achievements and put strategies in place to avoid making the same mistakes again.
5. Be open to new opportunities
Being open to new things is a wonderful way to mentally prepare yourself for what the next 12 months may bring. Research your course, investigate what societies you may want to join, and consider starting a new hobby.
6. Practice mindfulness
Taking time out of your day to relax, unwind and focus on your breathing is a great strategy to alleviate any stresses. Meditation and yin yoga are two of my favourite ways to ensure that my mind has some time off from the complexities of day-to-day life.
Mental preparation ultimately comes down to feeling ready for the task at hand, but also by being kind to yourself. The most important thing to remember is to stay relaxed and enjoy the notion of a fresh start in the form of a new academic year.